bar

A place where people buy and drink alcoholic drinks.

• We met at a bar.
• Two new bars opened on this street.
• Is there a quiet bar near the hotel?

Similar words: pub

Common phrases: a local bar, go to a bar, bar owner

A counter where drinks are prepared and served, or a cupboard used for serving drinks.

• He sat at the bar.
• The waiter put our drinks on the bar.
• She keeps glasses in the small bar at home.

Similar words: counter

Common phrases: at the bar, behind the bar, bar stool

A solid piece of something, usually with a rectangular shape.

• I bought a bar of chocolate.
• There are two bars of soap by the sink.
• The bank stores gold bars underground.

How to use it: a bar of something (She unwrapped a fresh bar of soap.)

Similar words: block

Common phrases: bar of chocolate, bar of soap, gold bar

A long, straight piece of hard material, often metal or wood.

• An iron bar lay on the ground.
• The windows have metal bars.
• He spent five years behind bars.

Similar words: rod

Common phrases: steel bar, iron bar, behind bars, metal bar

The legal profession, or the lawyers officially allowed to work in a particular place.

• She was admitted to the bar last year.
• The local bar organized a training session.
• He plans to take the bar exam in July.

How to use it: be admitted to the bar (After qualifying, she was admitted to the bar.); be called to the bar (He was called to the bar in June.)

Similar words: legal profession

Common phrases: the bar, bar association, bar exam

To officially stop someone from entering a place or doing something.

• The rules bar children from entering.
• He was barred from the club.
• The law bars companies from sharing these records.

How to use it: bar someone from something (They barred him from the building.); bar someone from doing something (The rules bar staff from accepting gifts.)

Similar words: ban, prohibit, exclude

Opposites: allow, permit

Common phrases: bar someone from, bar entry, bar someone’s access

To block a path or entrance so someone or something cannot pass.

• A fallen tree barred the road.
• The guard barred our way.
• Heavy rocks bar the entrance to the cave.

Similar words: block, obstruct

Opposites: clear

Common phrases: bar the way, bar someone’s path, bar the entrance

To close a door or window securely by putting a strong rod across it.

• They barred the door before sleeping.
• She barred every window in the house.
• Can you bar the back door?

Similar words: bolt, secure

Opposites: unbar

Common phrases: bar the door, bar a window